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Key Bible Verse: "If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within" (John 7:38). Bonus Reading: Matthew 4:18-20;Mark 10:28-30

An analogy from electricity can help us think about our response to God. The difference between a conductor and a resistor can be put like this: A conductor is willing to let go. It's not generating its own power; it is simply a conduit. It's open and receptive to the flow of current that can change the world from darkness to light. Every other desire has to take a back seat to this one absolute quest. The conductor prays, "As you wish."

A resistor, by contrast, doesn't want to let go. It hangs onto its electrons. It clings to the status quo. It's afraid to let go because it wants to keep its possessions intact. And so it does. But the resistor never knows much power. The resistor prays, "Leave me alone."

We live in a spiritually charged universe. The flow of the Holy Spirit is all around us. We did not invent it, but it has now become fully available. When Jesus uttered [today's Key Bible Verse], John's gospel explains that Jesus was talking about the Spirit. We do not have much power in our wills, but we can choose whether we will be resistors or conductors. And our prayer will be answered.

—John Ortberg in God Is Closer Than You Think

My Response: Do I lean toward cautious reluctance or joyful surrender?

Thought to Apply: The Gulf Stream can pass through a straw if the straw aligns itself with the Gulf Stream.—ANNE LAMOTT (author)

Adapted from God Is Closer Than You Think (Zondervan, 2005) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

You designed me, Lord. Show me how my potential can be fully harnessed for Your kingdom.

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